Search Tools and Tips for Kids

 

General Search Tools

 

Librarian's Note about Internet Search Tools

Common Sense Media has a list of kid-friendly browsers and search sites from the organization designed to help families and educators learn about smart search practices and responsible online behavior.

 

 

Internet Safety Tips for Kids

  • Don't give out personal information such as your first and last name, age, telephone number, home address, or your parent's credit card number.
  • Don't "friend" or communicate with people who you don't already know in the real world. If someone asks for your photo or to meet you in person, tell a caregiver, teacher, or trusted adult right away.
  • Don't assume that everything you read online is true. Try to figure out who wrote the information you are reading, why and when they wrote it, and if it is accurate. Know your news––use these tips to help determine what's true or false.

 

Parent Supervision

Internet access at the Library is provided in accordance with our adoption of the Library Bill of Rights and the American Library Association's interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights as it applies to access to electronic information, services, and networks. In support of the freedom to read and the universal right to free expression, our internet resources are provided equally to all Library users, regardless of age. As with our other materials, parents or guardians are responsible for monitoring their children's choices. We respect and encourage your right to supervise your own child's use of our resources. As such, parents may restrict their own children from accessing websites at the Library.

 

Children's Services Website Selection Guidelines

The websites that are linked from the children's services webpages have been selected to reflect the interests and informational needs of the children served. Because this is a wide age range (from preschool to middle school), some of the websites featured may be more appropriate for older children than younger. Here are some things librarians look at before linking to:

  • Whether it appeals to children ages 3–12
  • Who produces the information on the site (is it purely commercial information, authoritative, reliable, unique, etc.)
  • If the content is readily available to the user, or if some type of registration is required first
  • If the site is well-organized and easy to navigate

While the sites linked to are recommended for children, we do not control the content on those websites. Unless you see "Monroe County Public Library," the site is not Library-sanctioned.

Librarians review websites for children as often as possible, but it's not possible to have complete knowledge of external sites. If you have questions about the content of this page, please stop by the children's information desk and ask to speak to a librarian. You can also read our internet and computer use policy and media relations policy.

 

Other Related Links